Steve Geller

Week One Inside the SEC

by Steve Geller,posted Aug 31 2012 11:26PM

Ah yes, college football fans, it’s that time of year again. The Southeastern Conference continues its domination over the land as Alabama won the conference’s 6th straight BCS national championship last year. Will the SEC rule again? We'll see. Let’s get right to it and look at Week One Inside The SEC…

BUFFALO at GEORGIA
There is simply very little comparison between these two programs, which are meeting for the 1st time. Buffalo is breaking in a new quarterback, and its defense looks to be ripped by Georgia's Aaron Murray-led offense.

Look for this to be a cake-walk for the Bulldogs.

BOWLING GREEN at FLORDIA
Head coach Dave Clawson has rebuilt Bowling Green into a legitimate conference challenger. Last year's squad fell just short of a bowl game, and that doesn't seem to be likely this season. Experience and offense will vault the Falcons into MAC relevancy.

With that said, the Gators, by definition, will rarely meet a team with talent supremacy. Though Florida won just a single game against a winning FBS program a year ago, things are looking up in Gainesville.

Ultimately, this much talent and a home field advantage should win the game for Muschamp's Gators.

JACKSONVILLE STATE at ARKANSAS
Experienced talent at skill positions makes Jacksonville State a squad that shouldn't be overlooked.

Picked to finish second in the Ohio Valley Conference, the Gamecocks return two semi-starters at quarterback and Georgia transfer Washaun Ealey, who rushed for 1,082 yards a year ago. This from a squad who took a victory on an SEC field two seasons ago and enters the season ranked 13th among FCS foes.

Arkansas is more talented at every position and should walk away with the win, but if the offseason troubles linger and the Hogs forget to show up, it could be a game.

AUBURN at CLEMSON
Competing with Alabama/Michigan for my choice of Game of the Week, this battle of Tigers will be a tone-setter for both squads heading into the season.

Clemson returns an enormous amount of talent, especially offensively, and looks to rank among the most elite offenses in the country. Their offensive and defensive lines, however, will be a weakness.

With Aubruns’ running game and a weak Clemson defensive line, points should be available.

This should be a high-scoring, exciting shootout that will eventually come down to Clemson's offensive prowess.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS at OLE MISS
You will most likely never see me, or anyone for that matter, pick an FCS team to win a game on an SEC field.

With that said, the Rebels have a knack for losing recently, including a loss to Jacksonville State two seasons ago.

The Bears of Central Arkansas enter their season ranked just outside the Top 25 on the FCS level, and aren't without talent. Meanwhile, the Rebels are seeking mere respectability.

If head coach Hugh Freeze drops his first game to an FCS team, it could very well mean that fans and players alike could lose hope for the season by Ole Miss.

JACKSON STATE at MISSISSIPPI STATE
In a pass-happy offense, Jackson State lost its starting quarterback and two hot wide receivers.

Mississippi State will use this game to help quarterback Tyler Russell warm up, as his performance will prove crucial to the remainder of the season.

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISANA at MISSOURI
Though experienced, Southeastern Louisiana, coming off a 3-8 season against FCS competition, won't be providing any competition for Missouri.

The Tigers will cruise in this one.

ALABAMA vs. MICHIGAN (at Cowboys Stadium: Arlington, Texas)
Nick Saban has proven he knows how to shut down just about anyone.

Last year’s Bama squad easily ranked as the top defense in the country, and as one of the best in all of college football history.

I mention this because it may take that kind of performance to hold back first-team All-American Denard Robinson. He is perhaps the most mobile quarterback in collegiate football at the moment, and you can bet your houndstooth cap that Saban is creating his game plan around him.

The Tide prides itself on physical lines on both sides of the ball, and Robinson will need to find some holes in it. The Wolverines' talent at wide receiver is unimpressive and there are holes in the defensive line.

Saban's team is more talented, more well-rounded and playing closer to home. Advantage Tide.